Batten down the hatches as Doris weather bomb making its way across Greater Manchester

Storm Doris battered the region today as the Met Office issued an amber warning about high winds, rain,and snow and possible flooding continuing into the evening.

The M6 was closed to traffic on the Thelwall viaduct for several hours. It has now re-opened.

Falling trees were causing dangerous driving conditions – there were reports of trees down on

• Fallen Tree, Briarlands Road, Sale
• Tree partially blocking the road. Raglan Road, Sale
• Tree blocking the road. Manor Avenue/Woodhouse Lane, Sale
• Tree Blocking the road on Northenden Road, Sale
• Tree fallen in Baker Lane , Sale
• Large branch blocking half the highway on Grosvenor Road / Navigation Road, Altrincham
• Fallen tree, road blocked, Park Road, Hale
• Tree blocking the road. Burlington Road, Altrincham
• Tree blocking the road. Cavendish Road, Bowdon
• Tree blocking the road. Whitehouse Lane, Dunham

Structural damage is expected and a spokesman for Aviva Insurance said they were experiencing the busiest day of the years for calls for assistance.

A spokesman for GMP said Altrincham Police Station had been closed for safety reasons after roof tiles were damaged.  A patrol car was damaged.

The spokesman said they were inundated with calls for assistance. ”The public should take care, and only make journeys where necessary.”

Hundreds of homes in Stockport are without  power after overhead supply lines were affected.

Network Rail say that the region is badly affected and rail journeys are limited.  Trains to and from Liverpool to Manchester are cancelled until  further notice, Manchester Victoria was closed this afternoon.  Inter city routes from London to Manchester  Piccadilly are affected and Virgin Trains have canceled many trains for safety reasons.

Chester Zoo has closed for the day  – a spokesman said :”We are closed  for the day to ensure the animals and the public are not put at risk”

Cheshire Police say the have received numerous reports of fallen trees across the county and urged drivers to take care. The Port of Liverpool is closed for the rest of today, and gale -force winds have led to the cancellation of ferries and flights to the Isle of Man.

A spokesman for the Met Office said:” “We expect winds of up to 80mph, heavy rain and some snowfall to cause disruption across northern parts of the UK for the rest of  Thursday. The forecast is for further high winds and rain, and the elements will combine to form a perfect weather bomb.”

If you have taken any pictures of the bad weather – we would love to see them. Please email to Sale Today.

#StormDoris : https://t.co/D9ND2n4FX9 pic.twitter.com/aTHYqV001F

— Met Office (@metoffice) February 22, 2017